Salt and Sugar. All to taste. *** Note : Just dash of everything, if U prefer a stronger intensity of an ingredient flavor, simply add a little extra of that ingredient/spice/sauce – no rocket scientific measurement here. Always taste your Seasoning !!!

MethoD

There are two parts in preparation : Fragrant rice and Sambal Ikan Bilis.

Step 1 :The Rice – Thoroughly washed Long Grain rice (to get rid of its starch); soaked for at least a few hrs, drained and left out to dry. Set aside.
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This process will help to achieve a pot of extra fluffy rice which is the hallmark of good Nasi Lemak besides its aromatic fragrant.

Step 2 :Coconut Milk – U can buy the Can coconut milk, but nothing compares to the freshly squeezed ones.
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Two squeezes : 1st squeeze – without water or very little water to get the concentrated cream (pict – smaller bowl) 2nd squeeze – with the amount (slightly less) of water U need to cook the rice.

Step 3 : Using a rice cooker, cook the rice as U normally would but with the 2nd-squeeze of the Coconut milk, Ginger, Garlic, Salt (to taste) and Pandan leaves.

Step 5 : Add a little water and the Tamarind paste mixture, not too much to avoid over sourness (U can add more later). Bring it to boil. Lower the heat and simmer till slightly thickened to your preferred consistency. Add your normal seasoning, Salt and Sugar. Have a taste to adjust the balance of flavors.

Nicely done, spicy, tangy Sambal Ikan Bilis

Step 6 : When the Rice is done, loosen it by chopstick or fork – never use a scoop or spoon as it will lump up the rice.
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Mix in the Coconut cream (the 1st squeeze), making sure all the grains are coated.
~As U can tell from this image, the Rice is too soft (too much water), U do not want this. It should be fluffy individual grain and NOT lumps.

Transfer the rice to a plate or better still, a Colander (with a piece of Banana leaf underneath, would be nice) to let the rice cool down by airing it.

Step 7 : Plate ur rice with some Sambal Ikan Bilis topping, a piece or two of quartered Hard-boiled Eggs and ur plate of “Nasi Lemak” is ready.
~Some toasted Peanuts and a few pieces of freshly sliced Cucumber will complete the dish.